Pliers for cutting and holding straps and the like

Abstract

A hand tool similar in design to the commonly known “linesman” pliers with the added capacity to control the cut material during and after the cutting operation. The addition and placement of a shear edge on the outside of the jaw assembly allows the invention to maintain control of the cut material and to further manipulate the material if needed. The invention also include a tine on the leading edge of the above mentioned shear edge to increase the capacity of the invention to gain initial control of the material to be processed.

Description

[0001]This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent No. 60 / 897,338 filed on Jan. 25, 2007.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Technical Field[0003]The invention relates generally to pliers and handheld wire cutters. More particularly, the invention relates to pliers which incorporate a wire-cutting or strap-cutting capability. Specifically, the invention relates to such pliers which are configured both to simultaneously cut and hold a strap, a wire or the like.[0004]2. Background Information[0005]Pliers and handheld wire cutters are well known in the art. Pliers which have gripping jaws for holding various items in combination with cutting edges for cutting wires, straps and the like are also well known. Linesmans pliers, for example, all fall within this category. While such pliers are useful for both grasping and cutting straps and the like, they are not configured to simultaneously cut and hold a strap or wire. Nor do they employ a means or configuration that en...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0019]FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the jaws of the pliers having cut the wire and continuing to hold the wire.

Problems solved by technology

While such pliers are useful for both grasping and cutting straps and the like, they are not configured to simultaneously cut and hold a strap or wire.

Nor do they employ a means or configuration that enhances their ability to effectively engage tightly affixed straps and the like.

While some handheld wire cutters may be used to cut the strap or wire, these standard wire cutters do not allow the strap or wire to be held and controlled simultaneously.

In addition, sometimes such straps or wires may be cut more than one time which increases the likelihood of pieces thereof being strewn about the floor or various work surfaces.

This not only creates a messy floor or work surface, but also may be a safety issue in creating small objects which may be swallowed by young children.

This tool does not gain control of the material to be cut at any point in the operation.

The design does not lend itself to wire like materials and controlling both sides of the cut material disallows the option of pulling only one side of the material with the intent of removing it from whatever it is binding.

This article is designed for pruning and loping operations and although it does maintain control of one side of the severed material its configuration does not lend itself to processing wire and cable tie like materials.

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